Determine your Ideal Body Weight (IBW) and Healthy Range
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Metric (Centimeters)
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Male
Female
Biological sex affects bone mass and formula constants.
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Enter your height in centimeters.
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Ideal Body Weight (Devine Formula)
166 lbs
Based on Dr. B.J. Devine's 1974 formula.
Healthy BMI Weight Range
129 – 174 lbs
Corresponds to BMI 18.5 – 24.9
Robinson Formula (1983)
163 lbs
Miller Formula (1983)
160 lbs
Weight Range Visualization
Visual comparison of Min/Max Healthy BMI weight vs. Ideal Body Weight (Devine).
Detailed Formula Breakdown
Formula Method
Calculated Weight
Calculation Basis
Comparisons of different medical standards to calculate weight by height.
What Does it Mean to Calculate Weight by Height?
To calculate weight by height is to determine a theoretical "ideal" body weight based on how tall a person is. While no single number represents perfect health for everyone, medical professionals and insurers have long used specific mathematical formulas to estimate a healthy weight baseline. This process helps establish reference points for nutritional assessment and drug dosing.
When you calculate weight by height, you are typically using one of two methods: the Body Mass Index (BMI) range, or specific Ideal Body Weight (IBW) equations like the Devine or Robinson formulas. This calculator provides both to give a comprehensive overview of where your weight might optimally sit relative to your stature.
It is important to note that these calculations apply primarily to average adults. Athletes with high muscle mass, pregnant women, and the elderly may find that standard methods to calculate weight by height do not fully reflect their specific health needs.
Calculate Weight by Height: Formulas and Logic
The primary formula used in this tool to calculate weight by height is the Devine Formula (1974), which is widely considered the standard for medical IBW calculations. We also calculate the healthy weight range derived from standard BMI guidelines.
1. The Devine Formula
The Devine formula assumes a baseline weight for a height of 5 feet, adding a specific amount of weight for every inch over that height.
To find the healthy range, we reverse the BMI formula. Since a healthy BMI is defined as 18.5 to 24.9, we calculate weight by height using the square of the height in meters.
Minimum Weight: 18.5 × (Height in meters)² Maximum Weight: 24.9 × (Height in meters)²
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Average Male
Consider a male who is 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm). He wants to calculate weight by height to set a fitness goal.
BMI Range: For 1.57m, the healthy range is approximately 101 lbs to 136 lbs.
Result: The formula suggests 110 lbs, which is on the lower end of the healthy spectrum, reflecting the different base constants for women.
How to Use This Calculator
Select Your Units: Choose between Imperial (Feet/Inches) or Metric (Centimeters).
Select Gender: Choose Male or Female. This adjusts the base weight in the IBW formulas.
Enter Height: Input your accurate height. For imperial, use both feet and inches fields.
Review Results: The tool will instantly calculate weight by height. The large blue box shows the Devine result, while the list below shows the BMI range and alternative formulas (Robinson, Miller).
Analyze the Chart: Use the chart to visualize where the "Ideal" number falls relative to the minimum and maximum healthy weights.
Key Factors That Affect Results
When you calculate weight by height, the output is a statistical estimate. Several real-world factors influence what your actual healthy weight should be:
Muscle Mass: Muscle tissue is denser than fat. An athlete may calculate weight by height and find they are "overweight" by formula standards, despite having low body fat.
Bone Structure (Frame Size): People with large body frames (measured by wrist circumference) should generally weigh more than the calculated IBW, while small-framed individuals should weigh less.
Age: Metabolic rate and body composition change with age. Older adults often carry slightly more weight, which some studies suggest can be protective.
Body Fat Distribution: Visceral fat (around organs) is a higher health risk than subcutaneous fat. Two people may have the same height and weight but very different health profiles.
Hydration Levels: Weight fluctuates daily based on water retention, salt intake, and hydration, which formulas cannot account for.
Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in natural body composition that simple linear equations cannot capture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the result from the "calculate weight by height" tool a strict medical rule?
No. It is an estimation tool. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a weight loss or weight gain program.
2. Why do different formulas give different results?
Formulas like Devine, Robinson, and Miller were developed in different decades using different population data. Devine (1974) is most common for drug dosing, while Robinson (1983) refined it based on newer data.
3. Can I use this for children?
No. Children require specific growth charts (CDC or WHO percentiles) to calculate weight by height effectively. This tool is for adults 18+.
4. What if I am very tall or very short?
These formulas are most accurate for people close to average height (5ft to 6ft). At extreme heights, the linear nature of the IBW formulas may become less accurate compared to BMI.
5. How does gender affect the calculation?
Biologically, men generally have greater bone density and muscle mass than women. The formulas account for this by starting men at a higher baseline weight (50kg vs 45.5kg).
6. Should I aim for the exact number shown?
Not necessarily. Aiming for the "Healthy BMI Range" is generally more realistic and flexible than targeting a single specific "Ideal" number.
7. Does this calculator measure body fat?
No. To measure body fat percentage, you need calipers, bioimpedance scales, or DEXA scans. This tool only uses height and gender.
8. Why is the "Healthy Range" so wide?
Human bodies vary incredibly. A 40-pound range allows for differences in frame size, muscle mass, and natural body variations while still remaining metabolically healthy.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
BMI Calculator – Calculate your Body Mass Index specifically.